There must be something special happening in East Africa, because the music coming out of the region this October is showcasing full vulnerability from artists. Whether focusing on heartbreak, spiritual reflection, or the weight of public grief, the sound from the East was one of raw emotion and powerful storytelling.
Let's explore some of the standout tracks and trends that are shaping the music landscape in Kenya and beyond.
Tributes and Emotional Ballads
The passing of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga prompted a wave of musical tributes. Prince Indah sets the tone for a wave of musical tributes mourning the passing of Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga with his powerful ballad “Tribute to Rt. Hon Raila Odinga.” His song is joined by a chorus of other artists, including Bahati, Elisha Toto, Sammy Dee & The Cluster, Rayvanny, Dogo Charlie, and Vinny Flava, all of whom released songs this month to commemorate the iconic leader.
Tanzanian legend Alikiba returns with “Sella,” a smooth and emotionally charged bongo flava ballad in which he pours his heart out to a lover who has betrayed his trust. The song tells the story of a woman who once promised loyalty, devotion, and honesty but ultimately chooses to cheat, leaving Alikiba heartbroken and disillusioned.
Diamond Platnumz: Still at the Top
Diamond Platnumz is proving that longevity doesn't mean slowing down. After his recent global hit with Ciara, the Tanzanian superstar has released three new songs in October, including the emotionally resonant “Nani.” He also dropped “Msumari,” a heartfelt song for lovers, and “Sasampa,” an amapiano collaboration with Focalistic, Uncool, Silas Africa, and Xduppy. The wave of releases shows that even with a career spanning a decade, Diamond remains one of East Africa’s most prolific and consistent hitmakers.
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Emerging Sounds and Artists
Burundian artist SIJI.
Phil Emon teams up with fellow Rwandan artist Nel Ngabo for “Delicious,” a flirty afro-pop track that oozes charm and chemistry.
Kenyan rapper Toxic Lyrikali taps into a darker, moodier sound with “Euphoria.” In his OkayAfrica profile, the rapper shared that the song was “a reminder to rise above all that energy, stay focused on your own path, and remember that we came from nothing to something.” With introspective lyricism, the track offers a different sound for the Kayole rapper.
Arbantone: The New Kid on the Block
2024 Best of Kenyan Arbantone Mix Vol 2 [Anguka Nayo, Set It, Extra Pressure, Kudade, Hoozambe]
In the ever-evolving Kenyan entertainment landscape, a relatively new music genre has been at the centerstage of it all, Arbantone. The Arbantone genre did not emerge out of thin air. Fusing elements of nostalgia and modern Gen-Z energy, using social media as the biggest catapult to its wide reach.
Here's a closer look at the genre's origins, characteristics, and key players:
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- Genge: The pioneering urban genre from the 2000s, Genge laid the groundwork for using Sheng (a Swahili-based slang) lyrics in a conversational, rhythmic style.
- Gengetone: The immediate predecessor to Arbantone, Gengetone dominated the music scene from the late 2010s.
Key Characteristics of Arbantone
- Sampling and Nostalgia: A defining feature of Arbantone is its use of beats and melodies from older Kenyan and Jamaican songs, often referred to as "TBT" (Throwback Thursday) hits. Artists sample these classic sounds and syncopate them with new, dance-ready beats, creating a unique blend of old and new.
- Sheng Lyrics: Like its predecessors, Arbantone heavily relies on Sheng.
- Danceable Rhythms: Arbantone tracks are characterized by fast, pulsating beats, strong basslines, and rhythms that are perfect for dancing.
The Viral Power of Dance Challenges
The genre's short, catchy, and dance-ready nature makes it perfect for viral dance challenges. Artists often create songs with the intention of making them ubiquitous within these "challenges," which helps their music reach a massive audience very quickly.
Criticism and Defense
While many see Arbantone as a fresh and innovative sound, it has also faced criticism, particularly for its heavy reliance on sampling. Some established artists and critics have accused Arbantone artists of "recycling" old beats rather than creating original work. However, proponents of the genre argue that this is a creative form of "recreation" that pays tribute to the past while pushing the music forward.
Popular Arbantone Tracks
Here are a few tracks that have defined the Arbantone sound:
- "Wawawa (Baki Home)" by Motif Di Don ft. Produced by the renowned Motif Di Don, this song became an anthem during a period when people were encouraged to stay at home.
- "Kudade" by JohnnyJoh ft. This song is a massive hit that perfectly encapsulates the Arbantone sound.
- "Mukuchu Remix" by Gody Tennor ft. A testament to the genre's collaborative nature, "Mukuchu" is an energetic and star-studded remix.
- "Lele Remix" by YBW Smith ft. This song is a classic example of Arbantone's use of nostalgia.
YBW Smith: A Key Artist
- "Niko Na Dem" As a solo effort from one of the genre's key artists, "Niko Na Dem" is a raw, high-energy track that became an instant fan favorite.
- "Anapiga Picha" Another major hit from YBW Smith, this song's title translates to "She's Taking a Pic" and its lyrics humorously describe the social media culture of taking photos and sharing them. This song's title says it all.
The Future of Arbantone
The future of Arbantone is not guaranteed, but it is certainly full of potential. It has already proven to be more than just a passing fad and has established itself as a significant force in Kenyan music. The key to its longevity lies in its ability to evolve, embrace originality, and professionalize its operations.
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tags: #Kenya
